NEW BEDFORD — Seven years ago, Marine Lance Cpl. Michael L. Ford, 19, gave his life for his country when his tank drove over an improvised explosive device in Iraq.

Now, once again, his family is facing heartache.

Last weekend, thieves broke into the family's vacant West End home and stole the Purple Heart the government posthumously gave Michael's father, Joseph M. Ford Sr., for his son's ultimate sacrifice, according to Ford and police.

"I'm just heartbroken about this," Ford said Thursday. "Who would want to steal a Purple Heart? I have no way to replace any of that stuff."

Also stolen in the break were two gifts Ford said were given to him by private citizens — a shadow box with all the medals his son would have received had he lived and a coin with the Purple Heart insignia on it.

"We have never owned a lot of valuable items," he said, "but for me, those ... are priceless because of my son."

Ford said the house has been vacant since February when the pipes burst and he had to relocate nearby.

His daughter-in-law, Suheil Lozada, discovered the break Tuesday and Ford said thieves returned Tuesday night and stole copper pipes from the basement.

Detective Capt. Steven Vicente, head of the Major Crimes Unit, said the break was reported Tuesday afternoon and Ford filed a stolen property report Thursday, which included his son's medals.

Vicente said the medals have no value on the streets because they are so recognizable, but they are extremely valuable to the family. "It shows (Michael) did something heroic for his country and he paid for it with his life," he said.

Reaction from the community was quick and strong after word of the thefts spread.

"The idea that someone would break into this house and steal these items is something I find completely reprehensible," said Scott W. Lang, who was mayor when the Marine was killed.

Lang appealed to the public to cooperate with police if they spot the medals somewhere. He said he would like to see those responsible prosecuted and sentenced "to the fullest extent of the law."

Mayor Jon Mitchell was equally outraged.

"It is a despicable act," Mitchell said, adding he will tell police to follow "every lead" and will urge the District Attorney's Office to compile "a strong case" and seek "a severe punishment" against whoever stole the medals.

Police Chief David A. Provencher said the department "will work as hard as we can to resolve this for Mr. Ford."

While the pain is fresh for the Ford family, there may be some measure of relief for them.

Lauren Amendolara, a spokesman for Rep. William Keating, D-Mass., said Thursday in an email that Keating aide Jim Quigley plans to meet with Ford next week to discuss obtaining a replacement for the stolen Purple Heart.